The pulsing light in the distance was both a beacon and a warning. Li Wei's gaze remained fixed on it as the mist swirled below, casting an ethereal glow over the forest. The air had grown colder, the oppressive atmosphere of the Endless Forest now almost tangible, like a living force pushing against their advance.
"We're close," he said, breaking the silence.
His words carried an edge of caution, but beneath it was a resolve that steadied his team. Jin Rui adjusted his grip on his staff, his knuckles whitening. Mei Chen glanced at Li Wei, searching his expression for reassurance, while Zhou Wei and Li Jun exchanged uneasy looks.
"Do you feel it?" Zhou Wei asked, his voice low. "The Qi here… it's different."
Mei Chen nodded. "It's heavier. Like it's watching us."
"It is," Li Wei said, his voice steady. "The forest isn't just alive—it's aware. Every step we take toward the Heaven Water, it grows more intent on testing us."
